420 brands assessed, representing 98 companies. 20 companies received A+ or A, 55 received B or C and 23 received a D or F. 40% of companies improved their score in 2021 compared to 2019.
Which brands are putting people and planet before profit? Find your favourite brands, shop with your conscience, be vocal.
The global fashion industry employs 50 million people worldwide. While it can be a source of opportunity, for too many indignity and abuse, and low-wages and modern slavery are rife. Consumerism, mass production, and the constant demand for more, has fuelled this injustice while the industry has turned a blind eye to the impact they’re having on the environment and carbon emissions.
But fashion brands have the greatest power to affect change in the global fashion industry. And we, as consumers, can use our influence to affect change in each brand.
Use the Ethical Fashion Guide to search for your favourite fashion brands next time you shop. Find out which companies are doing the most to protect workers and the environment and shop accordingly. While you’re at it, if you think there is a brand that could be doing better, let them know.
420 brands assessed, representing 98 companies. 20 companies received A+ or A, 55 received B or C and 23 received a D or F. 40% of companies improved their score in 2021 compared to 2019.
Over the past eight years, companies publishing full final stage supplier lists have increased from 18% in 2013 to 41% in 2021. Companies actively working to trace their raw material suppliers have increased from 17% in 2013 to 69% in 2021, while companies starting to use sustainable fibres have increased from 61% in 2019 to 87% in 2021.
Only 15% of companies can demonstrate paying living wage in any final stage facilities – and only 4% can show paying it in all final stage facilities. Only 19% of companies can demonstrate successful corrective action plans for wage or overtime violations. Only 4% of companies can point to active collective bargaining or worker unions/associations in all final stage facilities.
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Ramana has worked in a few garment factories since getting her first job at 14 years old at the fabric mill where her parent worked. She’s learned that depending on which factory she’s working at, the experience can be very different. “There are some shifts, where the behaviours of the bosses are not good,” she says. “Those whose behaviour is good, get good work from employees. And those who behave badly, make us feel angry …we won’t work for him.”
At her previous factory, excessive overtime hours were considered normal and Ramana regularly worked 12 or 16-hour shifts. Now she always goes home at the end of her eight-hour shift – although, she and most of her colleagues rarely take time off. “There are [some] people who because of poverty don’t take a single day leave. Unless one is in emergency no one takes leave of absence.” Ramana has mixed feelings about her life in the garment industry. “I am working from the age of 14. I feel sad that my parent’s condition was not good and that is why we had to work in garments.”
Her husband lost his job during the pandemic and had to move away to earn money. She can’t watch their infant son while at work, so he lives far away with her in-laws in their village. Her dream is to return in time and with money to send her son to school. For now, she focuses on the positives. “My parents-in-law are good people, and no trouble is there. The place where I stay is also good. And the place where I work also has no problems. So I am very happy.”
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With its mission to end poverty, Baptist World Aid Australia has published the Ethical Fashion Guide since 2013. As one of Australia’s leading publications on ethical fashion, the Ethical Fashion Guide helps consumers make better choices based on thorough data from almost 100 companies representing more than 400 brands.
